By Becca Butler

Over the past several years, SEMA Show organizers have made a number of changes to make it possible for more exhibitors to take advantage of the benefits of participating in the New Products Showcase.

“We know that exhibitors who participate in the New Products Showcase tend to have greater product awareness, more traffic at their booths and increased media coverage from the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communication and events. “We are committed to making it as easy as possible for exhibitors to participate in the program.”

Among the changes that have taken place during the past few years that make it easy for exhibitors to participate in the New Products Showcase are:

• New location and check-in system. The 2015 New Products Showcase will be located on the skybridge between Central and South Halls, making it possible for organizers to streamline the product check-in/-out system, resulting in a faster and easier process for exhibitors.

• Option to ship products. Exhibitors can have their product(s) shipped to the Showcase in advance. Once on-site, they will need to visit the Showcase prior to Monday, November 2, at 3:00 p.m., to unpack and check-in the product(s), but the product(s) will already be waiting in the Showcase area. At the end of the Show exhibitors also can skip product check-out and choose to have UPS package and ship the product(s) on their behalf.

• Older products qualify. In 2011, a “Featured Products” category was added to the Showcase to allow products that do not meet the criteria for “new” products to be included. Approximately 20% of all Show buyers are attending the SEMA Show for the first time, so the featured products category is especially valuable to exhibitors that may want to promote an existing line to new customers.

For more information on the New Products Showcase or to enter a product, click here.

	Keynote & Coffee at the SEMA Show features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show is bringing back one of the most exciting attractions from last year’s event. Keynote & Coffee features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

The free seminars will kick off every morning of the Show at 8:00 a.m., before the exhibit hall opens and the conference sessions begin, meaning you’ll have a chance to get your brain moving with new ideas about the industry before you plunge into your day’s activities—and you’ll get a free cup of coffee to go along with it!

Each of the early morning Keynote & Coffee sessions have their own theme and speakers who represent some of the most forward-thinkers you’ll find in the industry today.

On one day you might learn how the impact of social media is changing the way you measure business results and what you need to know to use new forms of media for your own company. Another day, you’ll have a chance to hear from Bridget Brennan, CEO of the Female Factor, who will give you some insight into one of the most important prime target audiences in the future: Millennial women, born between 1980 and 2000, who are now making more and more decisions about automotive buying.

Or you can hear from Scott Ginsberg, a company leader who decided 15 years ago to try a silly experiment and started wearing a name tag—and never took it off. You’ll get the chance to find out what he learned from his experiment and what being an “approachable leader” can mean for your business.

And then there’s Dave Carroll, a songwriter who wrote a song about an airline breaking his guitar that went viral on YouTube. In the process he learned a lot about customer service—knowledge that he is ready to pass on to you.

All of these speakers are available to you at no charge, first thing every morning of the SEMA Show at 8:00 a.m. to set you in the right frame of mind before you hit the exhibit halls and the conference sessions.

Start every morning at the SEMA Show with Keynote & Coffee!

View a complete list of SEMA Show education programs available.

	Keynote & Coffee at the SEMA Show features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show is bringing back one of the most exciting attractions from last year’s event. Keynote & Coffee features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

The free seminars will kick off every morning of the Show at 8:00 a.m., before the exhibit hall opens and the conference sessions begin, meaning you’ll have a chance to get your brain moving with new ideas about the industry before you plunge into your day’s activities—and you’ll get a free cup of coffee to go along with it!

Each of the early morning Keynote & Coffee sessions have their own theme and speakers who represent some of the most forward-thinkers you’ll find in the industry today.

On one day you might learn how the impact of social media is changing the way you measure business results and what you need to know to use new forms of media for your own company. Another day, you’ll have a chance to hear from Bridget Brennan, CEO of the Female Factor, who will give you some insight into one of the most important prime target audiences in the future: Millennial women, born between 1980 and 2000, who are now making more and more decisions about automotive buying.

Or you can hear from Scott Ginsberg, a company leader who decided 15 years ago to try a silly experiment and started wearing a name tag—and never took it off. You’ll get the chance to find out what he learned from his experiment and what being an “approachable leader” can mean for your business.

And then there’s Dave Carroll, a songwriter who wrote a song about an airline breaking his guitar that went viral on YouTube. In the process he learned a lot about customer service—knowledge that he is ready to pass on to you.

All of these speakers are available to you at no charge, first thing every morning of the SEMA Show at 8:00 a.m. to set you in the right frame of mind before you hit the exhibit halls and the conference sessions.

Start every morning at the SEMA Show with Keynote & Coffee!

View a complete list of SEMA Show education programs available.

	Keynote & Coffee at the SEMA Show features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show is bringing back one of the most exciting attractions from last year’s event. Keynote & Coffee features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

The free seminars will kick off every morning of the Show at 8:00 a.m., before the exhibit hall opens and the conference sessions begin, meaning you’ll have a chance to get your brain moving with new ideas about the industry before you plunge into your day’s activities—and you’ll get a free cup of coffee to go along with it!

Each of the early morning Keynote & Coffee sessions have their own theme and speakers who represent some of the most forward-thinkers you’ll find in the industry today.

On one day you might learn how the impact of social media is changing the way you measure business results and what you need to know to use new forms of media for your own company. Another day, you’ll have a chance to hear from Bridget Brennan, CEO of the Female Factor, who will give you some insight into one of the most important prime target audiences in the future: Millennial women, born between 1980 and 2000, who are now making more and more decisions about automotive buying.

Or you can hear from Scott Ginsberg, a company leader who decided 15 years ago to try a silly experiment and started wearing a name tag—and never took it off. You’ll get the chance to find out what he learned from his experiment and what being an “approachable leader” can mean for your business.

And then there’s Dave Carroll, a songwriter who wrote a song about an airline breaking his guitar that went viral on YouTube. In the process he learned a lot about customer service—knowledge that he is ready to pass on to you.

All of these speakers are available to you at no charge, first thing every morning of the SEMA Show at 8:00 a.m. to set you in the right frame of mind before you hit the exhibit halls and the conference sessions.

Start every morning at the SEMA Show with Keynote & Coffee!

View a complete list of SEMA Show education programs available.

	Exhibitors continue to announce their latest SEMA Show-related news on the Online Media Center.

By Becca Butler

Exhibitors continue to announce their latest Show-related news on the Online Media Center. Here are the latest announcements from 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors.

• BOLT Lock, Booth #35133 announces their new Bolt J-Mount bracket mounting system that allows Jeep TJ and JK off-road enthusiasts to securely attach their hi-lift jack to the side of their vehicle for easy, vertical access.

• Baumann Electronic Controls, Booth #73005 introduces the US Shift Quick 4 stand-alone transmission controller with advanced algorithms that provides the highest level of shift control and synchronization, allowing you to maximize the performance of your combination.

• EVX Pty Ltd., Booth #90052 is a Melbourne-based vehicle technology startup that has announced they will be exhibiting their scaled-down model custom solar car and spinoff technologies at the Show this year. They will be located in the Performance Pavilion, just outside the South Halls.

• Lund International, Booth #31027 introduces a new line of steps to its existing lineup of nerf bars and running boards. The all-new Lund Terrain HX Step is an aggressively designed yet functional nerf bar that provides an off-road look while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

• Equip Automotive Systems, Inc., Booth #15417 launches their new eCommerce site, www.equipmyshop.com. The site aims to provide the collision industry with an online shopping experience that is quick, easy and affordable.

• Silent Running, Booth #34323 will introduce their new distributor program at this year’s Show, where there will be sign-up sheets and information packets for potential distributors.

• Bulldog Lighting, Booth #35207 announces a new line of accessory lights to their product line this year. The new line will be nicknamed “The Claw” due to its mounting abilities and the durability of the light itself.

• SONAX GmbH, Booth #12161 announces their seventh consecutive year exhibiting at the SEMA Show. They will be located in the North Hall, and will have guests such as master detailer Renny Doyle and car customizer John D’Agostino conducting interviews and demonstrating SONAX products.

• Ningguo BST Thermal Products Co. Ltd., Booth #38155 announces their heat shield tape with adhesive. It’s a fiberglass composite tape with a strong adhesive that wraps around your wires and hoses to protect from blazing heat that can cause equipment failure.

For more information and a complete list of all news announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show.

	Exhibitors continue to announce their latest SEMA Show-related news on the Online Media Center.

By Becca Butler

Exhibitors continue to announce their latest Show-related news on the Online Media Center. Here are the latest announcements from 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors.

• BOLT Lock, Booth #35133 announces their new Bolt J-Mount bracket mounting system that allows Jeep TJ and JK off-road enthusiasts to securely attach their hi-lift jack to the side of their vehicle for easy, vertical access.

• Baumann Electronic Controls, Booth #73005 introduces the US Shift Quick 4 stand-alone transmission controller with advanced algorithms that provides the highest level of shift control and synchronization, allowing you to maximize the performance of your combination.

• EVX Pty Ltd., Booth #90052 is a Melbourne-based vehicle technology startup that has announced they will be exhibiting their scaled-down model custom solar car and spinoff technologies at the Show this year. They will be located in the Performance Pavilion, just outside the South Halls.

• Lund International, Booth #31027 introduces a new line of steps to its existing lineup of nerf bars and running boards. The all-new Lund Terrain HX Step is an aggressively designed yet functional nerf bar that provides an off-road look while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

• Equip Automotive Systems, Inc., Booth #15417 launches their new eCommerce site, www.equipmyshop.com. The site aims to provide the collision industry with an online shopping experience that is quick, easy and affordable.

• Silent Running, Booth #34323 will introduce their new distributor program at this year’s Show, where there will be sign-up sheets and information packets for potential distributors.

• Bulldog Lighting, Booth #35207 announces a new line of accessory lights to their product line this year. The new line will be nicknamed “The Claw” due to its mounting abilities and the durability of the light itself.

• SONAX GmbH, Booth #12161 announces their seventh consecutive year exhibiting at the SEMA Show. They will be located in the North Hall, and will have guests such as master detailer Renny Doyle and car customizer John D’Agostino conducting interviews and demonstrating SONAX products.

• Ningguo BST Thermal Products Co. Ltd., Booth #38155 announces their heat shield tape with adhesive. It’s a fiberglass composite tape with a strong adhesive that wraps around your wires and hoses to protect from blazing heat that can cause equipment failure.

For more information and a complete list of all news announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show.

	Exhibitors continue to announce their latest SEMA Show-related news on the Online Media Center.

By Becca Butler

Exhibitors continue to announce their latest Show-related news on the Online Media Center. Here are the latest announcements from 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors.

• BOLT Lock, Booth #35133 announces their new Bolt J-Mount bracket mounting system that allows Jeep TJ and JK off-road enthusiasts to securely attach their hi-lift jack to the side of their vehicle for easy, vertical access.

• Baumann Electronic Controls, Booth #73005 introduces the US Shift Quick 4 stand-alone transmission controller with advanced algorithms that provides the highest level of shift control and synchronization, allowing you to maximize the performance of your combination.

• EVX Pty Ltd., Booth #90052 is a Melbourne-based vehicle technology startup that has announced they will be exhibiting their scaled-down model custom solar car and spinoff technologies at the Show this year. They will be located in the Performance Pavilion, just outside the South Halls.

• Lund International, Booth #31027 introduces a new line of steps to its existing lineup of nerf bars and running boards. The all-new Lund Terrain HX Step is an aggressively designed yet functional nerf bar that provides an off-road look while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

• Equip Automotive Systems, Inc., Booth #15417 launches their new eCommerce site, www.equipmyshop.com. The site aims to provide the collision industry with an online shopping experience that is quick, easy and affordable.

• Silent Running, Booth #34323 will introduce their new distributor program at this year’s Show, where there will be sign-up sheets and information packets for potential distributors.

• Bulldog Lighting, Booth #35207 announces a new line of accessory lights to their product line this year. The new line will be nicknamed “The Claw” due to its mounting abilities and the durability of the light itself.

• SONAX GmbH, Booth #12161 announces their seventh consecutive year exhibiting at the SEMA Show. They will be located in the North Hall, and will have guests such as master detailer Renny Doyle and car customizer John D’Agostino conducting interviews and demonstrating SONAX products.

• Ningguo BST Thermal Products Co. Ltd., Booth #38155 announces their heat shield tape with adhesive. It’s a fiberglass composite tape with a strong adhesive that wraps around your wires and hoses to protect from blazing heat that can cause equipment failure.

For more information and a complete list of all news announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show.

	The Ride Guides from the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council contain comparisons of the effects of plus-sizing wheel and tire packages on factors such as ride comfort, road grip and steering response.

By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA’s Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) has released the first two installments of a series of Ride Guides, a set of sales tools for wheel and tire retailers. Each guide contains comparisons of the effects of plus sizing wheel and tire packages on factors like ride comfort, road grip and steering response. Volume 1, covering the 12th generation F-150 ('09–'14), includes easy-to-read technical data compiled by the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

Guided by the data in the report, sales professionals can better assist customers in narrowing style and design preferences for their fullsize pickups based on performance characteristics. As customers see the comparisons for themselves in a graphical format with simplified explanations, they can be confident and informed in making a selection.

In addition to the F-150, which represents the fullsize pickup segment, a Ride Guide for the '14 Mazda3 is also available, representing the front-wheel drive compact sedan sector. Both manuals are available for free to all wheel and tire retailers.

To download copies of the WTC Ride Guide or learn more about the research, visit www.sema.org/ride-guide.

	The Ride Guides from the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council contain comparisons of the effects of plus-sizing wheel and tire packages on factors such as ride comfort, road grip and steering response.

By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA’s Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) has released the first two installments of a series of Ride Guides, a set of sales tools for wheel and tire retailers. Each guide contains comparisons of the effects of plus sizing wheel and tire packages on factors like ride comfort, road grip and steering response. Volume 1, covering the 12th generation F-150 ('09–'14), includes easy-to-read technical data compiled by the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

Guided by the data in the report, sales professionals can better assist customers in narrowing style and design preferences for their fullsize pickups based on performance characteristics. As customers see the comparisons for themselves in a graphical format with simplified explanations, they can be confident and informed in making a selection.

In addition to the F-150, which represents the fullsize pickup segment, a Ride Guide for the '14 Mazda3 is also available, representing the front-wheel drive compact sedan sector. Both manuals are available for free to all wheel and tire retailers.

To download copies of the WTC Ride Guide or learn more about the research, visit www.sema.org/ride-guide.

	The Ride Guides from the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council contain comparisons of the effects of plus-sizing wheel and tire packages on factors such as ride comfort, road grip and steering response.

By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA’s Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) has released the first two installments of a series of Ride Guides, a set of sales tools for wheel and tire retailers. Each guide contains comparisons of the effects of plus sizing wheel and tire packages on factors like ride comfort, road grip and steering response. Volume 1, covering the 12th generation F-150 ('09–'14), includes easy-to-read technical data compiled by the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

Guided by the data in the report, sales professionals can better assist customers in narrowing style and design preferences for their fullsize pickups based on performance characteristics. As customers see the comparisons for themselves in a graphical format with simplified explanations, they can be confident and informed in making a selection.

In addition to the F-150, which represents the fullsize pickup segment, a Ride Guide for the '14 Mazda3 is also available, representing the front-wheel drive compact sedan sector. Both manuals are available for free to all wheel and tire retailers.

To download copies of the WTC Ride Guide or learn more about the research, visit www.sema.org/ride-guide.